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YL Personality: Vincent Tan Boon Siang

Thursday, 31 January 2008 05:44am

Contributed by the National Young Lawyers Committee

Vincent Tan Boon Siang Vincent Tan was called to the Bar in July 2007. Having graduated from the University of Melbourne with a double degree in law and commerce, he is currently practising litigation in a firm in Kelana Jaya, Selangor. Donovan Cheah spoke with him.

I hope the new year is treating you well. How would you sum up 2007?

2007 was a good year for me, both personally and professionally. I accomplished my life long dream of being called to the Bar. My pupillage was a challenging, but ultimately a rewarding experience - and I'm glad to put it behind me and begin my career in the legal profession.

What was challenging about your pupillage?

The challenging part about my pupillage was being thrown into a brand new arena without having much of an idea where to start or where to go. It was a more of learn-as-you-go kind of process, which was both frightening yet exciting. I would say that it builds character and I think I'm much more confident now thanks to the ups and downs that I had to endure. Thankfully, I had really supportive colleagues and peers to help me out through the hard times.

I agree that a good support system is very important, especially when you are first starting out. Do you think young lawyers are getting enough support from the more senior members of legal community?

I would say so. I have encountered many senior lawyers who are always willing to share their wisdom and experience with me. I think we have a responsibility to share our knowledge with our juniors, because there is really no point keeping it to yourself.

Speaking of our profession - what are your views on the infamous VK Lingam video clip?

I think the issue we need to consider is at the end of this whole thing - what can our government do if it is proven that the video tape is true? What can we as citizens do? Where does the Royal Inquiry take us from there?

What do you think should be done if it is held that the video tape is true?

What I think should be done is irrelevant because the question is what will be done. The Government may not necessarily act according to what we think should be done.

And what do you think will be done, then?

I am skeptical. It is sad to say, but I don't believe there will be an independent judicial commission.

Another famous video everyone is talking about is the one starring Dr. Chua Soi Lek.

I would say it is a rather unfortunate incident, as I think he was a good leader. Objectively speaking, he has contributed much to the medical and health industry.

Do you then believe that morality and leadership can be mutually exclusive?

I do not think they can be mutually exclusive. We are only human and we are not saints. Nevertheless, there should obviously be a limited level of morality for a leader, in order for the community to have faith in him. A "leader" connotes someone we look up to.

But there are some people who praised him for admitting to his identity in the video.

I think he is brave to admit his own wrongdoings. At least in that respect he is unlike many other leaders who keep passing the buck, never apologise, and never admit to anything. However, I do believe that his confession was in part caused by pressure.

Taking into account your earlier views about morality and leadership - do you feel he did the right thing by resigning, in light of the fact that you feel he has contributed much to the health industry?

I think there is no "right" or "wrong" at this point, more so when it has happened so recently. You can only truly tell whether something is right or wrong once you have the benefit of hindsight. I can only comment that I think his resignation has probably averted much havoc and disaster that could have arisen had he stayed in office.

In view of all these current events, what is your general comment on the state of our nation today?

It is a bit disheartening. I feel that the state of things is declining, and it seems that many people are turning a blind eye to the goings-on in our country. It's as if they feel if it is swept under the carpet long enough, the problems will solve themselves. I can only hope that things will get better in 2008.